kick the tires

Definitions

1. To inspect something to ensure it meets expected standards or has favored characteristics, typically before committing to purchasing or otherwise selecting it.
   colloquial, idiomatic
2. To make a superficial assessment of, or a show of interaction with, an item for sale, without any real intent to purchase.
   colloquial, idiomatic
3. To inspect a vehicle's tires by kicking them to check for defects or poor quality.
   literally

Examples

“But, like⟳ the Color-Sonics machine, US operators have⟳ had no opportunity to "kick⟳ the tires" on Cine-Jukebox.”

“Red Flag 1: When an Analyst Doesn't Kick⟳ the Tires or Even Read⟳ a Company's Filings”

“Microsoft finally took some of the wraps off last⟳ week, releasing Vista's first major test⟳ version to about 500,000 programmers and tech professionals. The goal is to let⟳ them kick⟳ the tires, run⟳ their software on it and provide⟳ feedback.”

“"Iowa has, the last⟳ number⟳ of presidential cycles, really been the bellwether state to pick⟳ nominees," he said. "And it's got this great balance of rural and somewhat urban, Midwest and Upper Midwest — it's just got a great balance of people so that the rest⟳ of the country looks at it. Plus it's a small enough population in size that people get⟳ the individual feel⟳ of candidates. It's like⟳ everybody depends on Iowa to kick⟳ the tires on the candidates."”

“In the coming weeks, Albertans will get⟳ a chance to kick⟳ the tires of the party leaders, their platforms and local candidates.”

“The Packers will kick⟳ the tires on two injured starters in preparation for the playoffs.”

“Not content with the advantage it gets when 39% of its customers kick⟳ the tires on the merchandise in someone else's showroom before buying from them, Amazon decided to go a little further.”

“Jeff Zients[…]comes in, and he’s a former Bain Capital guy. He has “Bain brain”: He wants to run⟳ the diagnostics. He wants to kick⟳ the tires. He wants to see⟳: Is this a good idea?”

“Are you planning on buying anything, or are you just here to kick⟳ the tires?”

“If the dealer or his used car manager goes out to the car, he may kick⟳ the tires as though he expected them to collapse at the force⟳ of the blow⟳.”

“"Kick⟳ the tires and look⟳ serious" recognized as first rule⟳ for used car appraisal; 1915.”

“One of the things you wait⟳ most eagerly to hear⟳ a salesman say⟳ is the amount of the allowance. A good salesman will deliberately build⟳ up your suspense. He will start⟳ your engine, kick⟳ the tires, run⟳ his hand over the upholstery, stick⟳ his head under the hood, but, if your fenders are undented and the glass unbroken […]”

CEFR level